Herb gardening

This page listed under Growing Herbs

If you are new to herb gardening, you can start small and work your way up to a larger garden. Many plants are perfect for starting the herb garden.

If you are planning to start growing herbs outdoors, you will only need a small area. Approximately four feet by six feet is plenty large enough.

What Kinds of herbs to Grow

One of the most popular types of herbs to plant is basil. Sweet basil is great for adding to tomato sauces, juices and pastes. The seeds may be planted directly into the soil and you will see it beginning to grow in about a week or ten days.

• The basil plant will get up to 18 inches tall and plants should be spaced about a foot apart. Some people use the Dark Opal variety of basil for the beauty it adds to their garden. This type has deep red leaves and the flowers are pink.

• Chives are another herb that you hear about quite often. They can be grown from seed and started indoors if you like. They will start to appear in about a week and almost look like grass. So be careful and do not pull up your chives. They should be placed with about 6 inches between plants.

  They will grow to about a foot tall and chives can take just about anything you throw at them. Drought, cold weather - they do not seem to care. Used in sauces and egg recipes as well as salads, chives are often grown as a border plant.

• The Lavender plant is great for drying to use in drawers. Their aroma is heavenly and can be used in linen closets to keep it smelling fresh and wonderful. The seeds can be planted and will sprout in about two weeks. They should be hung to dry when the size desired is achieved. As long as the area is dry, they will do fine.

Soil for growing herbs

The soil you use for your herbs are going to be a combination of soils. The best ones for herbs are peat, loam, silt, sand and clay. The soil should be tested for the pH level, which should be between 6 and 7.

This is the best level for growing herbs. The soil needs to be a good rich soil and have good drainage. The use of compost in the soil before planting helps herbs to get a good start.

What Type of Herb Garden Will You Grow?

Before you begin planning your herb garden, ask yourself a few questions. Are you going to grow herbs for medicinal purposes? On the other hand, are you grow herbs to use for cooking or just because of their beauty?

Depending upon the use you will have for the herbs, your garden will either be ornamental or you will pick and dry the herbs. If you are growing herbs for their beautiful foliage and flowers, you will not have to worry about picking or drying them. Remember most herbs like to have about six hours of sun and there are varieties that thrive in shade. Top of herb gardening page